High Point Market Guide

Ask any buyer what their first trip to the High Point Furniture Market was like and they’ll most likely respond with some combination of “overwhelming” and “inspiring” in the same breath. And it definitely is both.
High Point Market is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, showcasing more than 2,000 exhibitors in 180+ buildings in the small town of High Point, North Carolina. The market takes place twice a year in April and October, bringing 75,000 retail buyers, interior designers, architects, and others home furnishings industry professionals into town. This market’s depth of resources make it a must-visit for buyers and interior designers. But how should you tackle it if you’ve never been?

Below, we’ve got a few tips to navigate the High Point Furniture Market, including can't miss events and our favorite dining spots.

High Point Market Basics

The show is officially open for five days, twice a year. Even if you stayed for the full five days you’d never see it all, and many buyers can’t even swing that much time away as it’s hard to leave business at home for longer. High Point Market can be done in three days, but you’ll need to go in prepared to maximize your time. For your convenience, BOBO opens 2 days before the official opening day, so if you're hunting for the best antiques, make sure to be there early!

BOBO High Point Market Dates:October 17-23, 2019 8am to 6pm

Location:
300 W Broad Ave
High Point, NC 27262

Pre-planning

Doing your research and creating a schedule before you land in High Point is imperative. Familiarize yourself with all of the product categories that are offered and zero in on what you’d like to see in person. At Bobo Intriguing Objects, we’ll have a new container of antiques hand-picked by Mark Sage. Remember, we open 2 days before ( April 4), so make sure to arrive early so you don't miss your favorite piece!

Making appointments is also recommended, especially if you’re planning to come in before the show’s official opening day, and building a list of go-to showrooms to visit is a must. Because the campus is so vast, grouping appointments and visits in similar areas on the same day will save you time — your feet will also thank you.

Don’t forget to schedule in time for events and seminars, too. The market hosts its own educational and social events, and individual showrooms also offer programming and parties. You’ll never get to everything, so prioritize.

Get your pass

Market passes are free for qualified industry members. You can register online beforehand and skip the lines when you arrive, or you can register on-site at one of 10 buildings across High Point’s campus, including Suites at Market Square, right across the street from BOBO Intriguing Objects.

Getting around

Market offers a huge network of complimentary shuttle service in and around downtown High Point and outlying areas. You can even hop on a rickshaw or take advantage of Uber or Lyft as well.

Places to eat in High Point

During the day, many showrooms offer hospitality for breakfast, lunch and happy hour with delicious bites and yummy drinks. At BOBO, we’ll have our classic Dirty South Bloody Marys each day. There are also plenty of fast-purchase options throughout the buildings for quick meals like sandwiches and salads.

Goods eats in town and the surrounding areas we recommend:

-OrganicAF: For the health nut, an organic juice bar located just off of Main Street on Lexington Ave. Great way to start your day!

-Elm Street Cafe: A hidden gem, right across the street from our building. Great tasting comfort food with fast service. We make quite a few visits here during market.

-Blue Rock Pizza: Great beer selection and even better pizza. Great for a casual night when you are just exhausted from market.

-Southern Roots: American menu with Southern twists served in a laid-back bistro space.

-98 Asian Bistro: Elegant, Pan-Asian restaurant with beautiful decor. You will see a few familiar faces from market here.

-Smartphone or DSLR to take pictures of favorite products and trends
-Notepad to jot down product names/item numbers

Pro Tip: You can search product part numbers (BI-xxxx) or product titles on our website by clicking the search icon at the top of the page. Even better, register your business and create your High Point Market Wishlist as you walk the showroom.

Post-High Point Market checklist

Right after you get home, organize your business cards and catalogs; follow up with new and old vendors and sales reps; look at all of your pictures and create a personal trend download; and plan your next visit to the show by booking hotel and airfare ASAP.

And don’t forget:

Perhaps most importantly, use your trip to the High Point Furniture Market to make new friends and expand your network. The show brings so many talented, passionate people together in one place that you’re bound to benefit from a trip there. And we bet you’ll be back time and time again.

Can't make it to High Point Market? Join the trade program and access our wholesale catalog!